Jeff Whippo Shares Thoughts on Single-Loop Learning Versus Double-Loop Learning

Jeff Whippo Shares Thoughts on Single-Loop Learning Versus Double-Loop Learning

An Introduction  Jeff Whippo, a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a Doctorate in Business Administration says that according to Chris Argyris and Donald Schon, who originated the terms, “single-loop learning” is correcting an action to solve or avoid a mistake, while “double-loop learning” is also correcting the underlying causes behind the problem.  Jeff believes that organizational learning is all about detecting and correcting error.

Single-Loop Learning ď ś Jeffery Whippo explains that single-loop learning happens when this process of identifying error enables the organization to carry on its present policies or achieve its objectives. ď ś Jeff indicates that a practical example of single-loop learning could be the automatic air conditioning thermostat in your home or office. ď ś The thermostat learns when it is either too hot or too cold inside and then turns the heat or air conditioning on or off to meet a set desired temperature.

Double-Loop Learning Jeffery D Whippo strongly believes that double-loop learning is more difficult than single-loop learning as it requires three skills:  Self-awareness to recognize what is often unconscious or habitual  Honesty or candor to admit mistakes and discuss with colleagues to discover and validate causes  Taking responsibility to act appropriately on what is learned.

An Example That Explains the Two Forms of Learning ď ś Jeff Whippo says when production managers of a medical device company were detecting and attempting to correct an error in order to manufacture their new trocar, that was singleloop learning. ď ś However, Jeff explains, when the production managers and marketing managers began to confront the questions surrounding whether or not their new trocar should be manufactured at all, that was double-loop learning, due to the fact that they were now questioning underlying organizational policies and objectives.

Thank You Jeffery (Jeff ) D Whippo